TRULY Quarterly – What’s On in London in January, February & March 2015

As has become a TRULY custom, we’ve spent some time looking into the future to see what luxury events we can find this coming quarter. It so turns out we’re quite excited about the next three months.

Highlights of what’s on in London include private Valentine’s dining, a Michelin star lunch accompanied with the life of Picasso, and a handful of Bach performances at the Royal Academy of Music. Read on to discover what’s occurring in and around London for the start of 2015.

JANUARY

London Short Film Festival

9th to 18th JanuaryHackney Picturehouse / Institute of Contemporary Arts
Showcasing the best in independent British film, the London Short Film Festival returns for its twelfth year. The aim is to show the hotbed of creativity in British film making and, if the previous 11 years are anything to go by, it’ll be right on the mark.

London Boat Show

until 18th JanuaryExCeL
The nautical set will be making waves at the London Boat Show this month. A whole range of the most luxurious boats will be on display, with world-renowned brands, including Fairline Boats and Sunseeker. The event even attracted the talents of singer Nicole Scherzinger, who performed on stage.

Canary Wharf Ice Rink

13th January – 28th FebruaryCanary Wharf
The soaring skyscrapers of Canary Wharf make for an imposing backdrop to this ice rink. And it’s not your ordinary round-you-go type of arena, either. A special path diverts off from the main rink where skaters can dart beneath sparkling trees and around the location’s showpiece ‘Big Blue’ sculpture.

Image: Canary Wharf Ice Rink

Jo Malone ‘My Wanderlust’ Event at Harrod’s

17th – 18th JanuaryHarrods
Jo Malone style editor, Charlotte Stockdale, heads to Harrods over the weekend of 17-18 January to celebrate the launch of her new My Wanderlust fragrances. Inspired by memories of faraway places, you’ll be taken on a journey through the inspirations and ingredients that inspired each fragrance. Meanwhile, enjoy champagne, delicious treats and a pampering Hand & Arm Massage.

The Legacy of Picasso at Koffmann’s

22nd JanuaryKoffmann’s at The Berkely
From within the private dining room of Koffmann’s, recently featured on the BBC’s Masterchef, comes an exclusive art lecture on the legacy of one Vincent Picasso. Naturally, lunch, specially prepared by Pierre Koffmann himself, is included.

Rubens and his Legacy

24th JanuaryBurlington House
Peter Paul Rubens has been described as the ‘prince of painters’. A bold claim perhaps, but this first major overview of his work, at Burlington House, might well tempt many over to that way of thinking.

The London Short Film Festival continues until 18 January / Image: LSFF

Churchill’s Scientists

23rd JanuaryScience Museum
It’s now been 50 years since Churchill’s death, meaning there are a number of events taking place to mark the anniversary. This might be one of the picks of the lot, though, as the Science Museum explores the technological advances in World War II by studying Churchill and his team’s cutting-edge scientific discoveries.

FEBRUARY

Portraits of Partners: Van Eyck to Hockney

4th FebruaryKoffmann’s
Throughout the afternoon, Koffmann’s will be rustling up a lunch for art fanatics at his establishment at The Berkeley. But before this happens, the morning proceedings will be orchestrated by Kate Gordon and her fellow experts. Kate founded London Art Studies after her time with Sotheby’s and has now gone on to curate some of the most popular art exhibitions around. She introduces her colleagues who have taught at Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Tate and the National Gallery.

Inside Koffmann’s

Rare and Important Jewels Auction at Sotheby’s

5th FebruarySotheby’s
World-renowned auctioneer Sotheby’s will see a number of promising auctions this month. First among then is the ‘Important Jewels’ collection, which features a pair of Parisian 18 carat gold, silver and diamond earrings expected to sell for up to $30,000. The main piece however is a platinum and diamond ring expected to fetch $1,500,000.

Alluring Orchids 2015 – A Tropical Extravaganza

7th February-8th MarchKew Gardens
Orchids, known especially for their wide varieties of vibrant colours, are designed by nature to attract pollinators such as bees and birds. Turns out that we humans fall for their charms, too. Enter the Prince of Wales Conservatory and see for yourself what makes these plants so enticing.

An Evening with Raymond Blanc

10th FebruaryLe Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons
The anglicised Raymond Blanc has achieved what many chefs can only dream of, but buy no means has he called quits on his ventures. For one evening, Blanc will divulge the secrets that fuel his passion and how he’ll always be chasing culinary perfection. The event includes a Laurent-Perrier champagne reception and a four-course dinner to boot.

Telegraph Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show

12th-15th February ExCeL
A day’s worth of everything you could possibly imagine that has something to do with the great outdoors. Whether you’re into your photography, climbing, kayaking, cycling, or travelling in general, it’s all here. It’s unlikely that Bear Grylls, however, will make an appearance.

St. Valentine’s Dinner at Mosimann’s

14th FebruaryMosimann’s
Mosimann’s will be continuing their traditionally warm welcoming to the new year ahead with the perfect excuse for couples to spend Valentine’s evening in the charming Belfry. Members will be treated to a four-course dinner, which will be accompanied by live music and of course the obligatory Rosé champagne for an extra romantic evening.

One lucky couple will even have the pleasure of being chauffeured by limousine before being invited into the Montblanc Room – thought to be the world’s smallest – for a sumptuous four-course dinner.

London Cruise Show

14th-15th FebruaryOlympia
You can say what you like, most ‘luxury’ cruises are, well, lacking in the luxury department. Now into its seventh year however, the London Cruise Show rounds up some of the very best cruise lines and destinations for the coming year, including a showcase of the Queen and Princess suites on board one of the Cunard’s ships among the fleet.

Six Continents of Steak at M Restaurant

17th FebruaryM Restaurant, Bank
Join Tom Parker Bowles, Matthew Fort and M’s founder and head chef for a celebration of all things steak – no less than you’d expect from one of the country’s premiere steak joints. Enjoy a cornucopia of wine, cocktails, mini master classes, steak, and entertainment as you travel through six continents.

Chinese New Year Celebrations

19th-22nd FebruaryAround London
There are those that claim London to be the city in which to enjoy Chinese New Year if you aren’t in China. We’re not ones to comment but, in any case, expect to see celebrations taking to Trafalgar Square, Chinatown and Shaftsbury Avenue, with a large, colourful parade taking place on the 22nd.

National Wedding Show

20th-22nd FebruaryOlympia
It might be a strange time of the year to stage a wedding show, but you won’t here many brides-to-be complaining. Around 300 wedding specialists will be on hand throughout the day, from dress fitters to photographers, meaning it’ll be very difficult to come out at the end of the day without feeling at least a little bit de-stressed.

MARCH

The Luxury Wedding Show

1st March, 2015Luton Hoo Hotel
If you are planning on tying the knot in style you will be inspired by the gorgeous offerings of luxury wedding suppliers on display at this show. Many of the top suppliers in the industry will be available to offer advice and give live demonstrations.

The event will take place at the elegant Warren Weir – Luton Hoo’s exclusive historic venue on the banks of the River Lea. And if you fall in love with the elegant setting, the venue is also available to be booked privately for your wedding day.

The stunning Belfry location for Mosimann’s

English National Ballet – Modern Masters at Sadler’s Wells

10th March – 15th March, 2015Sadler’s Wells
This breathtaking show will honour the work of three of the most important and influential choreographers of the 20th century – William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián and John Neumeier. Their dramatic and bold choreographies are full of energy and innovation. Kylián’s ballet ‘Petite Mort’ features six women and six men performing with fencing foils to Mozart, as their combat evolves into dance.

‘Spring and Fall’ by Neumeier is a tension filled work featuring two couples set to Serenade for Strings in E Major by Dvořák. ‘In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated’ by Forsythe is a very innovative piece that is performed on a bare stage and is famous for starting an entire new form of choreography.

Alexander McQueen – Savage Beauty

Opens 14th March, 2015Victoria and Albert Museum
Take a look at this vibrant exhibit that showcases the creative talent of one of the most innovative recent designers. This is the first and largest collection of Alexander McQueen’s work to be presented in Europe. The show, created in partnership with Swarovski, will span his entire career from his 1992 MA graduate collection to the unfinished A/W 2010 collection.

McQueen’s bold designs will be presented with dramatic staging that mirrors the feeling of his runway shows. When this exhibit was presented at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 2011, it became one of the Top 10 most visited exhibitions.

Behind the Scenes at Le Manoir

17th March, 2015Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in the day to day running of a high class luxury restaurant and hotel? Here’s your chance at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir. During the day you can attend talks by the hotel team and get a tour of the kitchens where the gourmet meals are prepared. There will also be an in-depth cooking lesson where you will be able to learn some of the techniques used by the hotel staff.

The Ideal Home Show

20th March 2015 – 6th April 2015Olympia London
The Ideal Home Show has been running for over 100 years and it has been a trend-setting event – making the celebration of beautiful homes a national passion. The largest and longest running consumer event in the UK, the show is packed with gorgeous furniture, design innovations, new technology and other brilliant ideas to make your living space more functional, stylish and enjoyable. Come take a look and you will find plenty of inspiration for your home.

Le Manoir, Oxfordshire

Bach Cantatas at the Royal Academy of Music

22nd March, 2015Royal Academy of Music
The stirring and emotional music of JS Bach is performed on lovingly recreated period instruments, with Jemima Stephenson on organ and Iain Ledingham directing. The programme includes many of Bach’s most loved cantatas, including Dear God, Behold, Out of the Depths I Cry to Thee and There is No Soundness In My Flesh. Hear the powerful melodies of this German Baroque composer, who was influential for his skills in counterpoint and harmonic organisation and the integration of rhythms from France and Italy.

SWEENY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET, A MUSICAL THRILLER

30th March – 12th AprilLondon Coliseum
Emma Thompson plays Mrs. Lovett in Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, a Musical Thriller. She will star with Welsh bass-baritone Bryn Terfel in this creepy musical about a bloodthirsty barber who murders his clientele. The English National Opera will appear on stage alongside the cast to perform the music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. According to the New York Times, Terfel just might be the most richly gifted singer ever to undertake the title role.